How does Daktarin cream work?

Daktarin cream contains the active ingredient miconazole. Miconazole kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It works by stopping the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes. The disruption in production of ergosterol disrupts the fungal cell membrane, causing holes to appear in it.

The cell membranes of fungi are vital for their survival. They keep unwanted substances from entering the cells and stop the contents of the cells from leaking out. As miconazole causes holes to appear in the cell membranes, essential constituents of the fungal cells can leak out. This kills the fungi and treats the infection.

Miconazole also has some antibacterial action and kills certain bacteria that may also be present in the infection.

How do I use Daktarin cream?

Wash and dry the affected area(s) of skin or nails thoroughly before applying the cream.

For skin infections, the cream should be applied to the affected area(s) of skin twice a day (morning and evening). Rub the cream gently into the affected area and surrounding skin.

For nail infections, the cream should be applied to the affected nail(s) once or twice a day. Rub it in gently to the nail and surrounding skin.

Unless the infected skin is on your hands, wash your hands after applying the cream to avoid spreading the infection to other areas of the body, or to other people.

It can take two to six weeks of treatment with this cream to clear up the infection, depending on how widespread and how severe the infection is. Nail infections typically take longer to clear up than skin infections. You should continue to use the cream for 10 days after all signs of the infection have cleared up. This is to make sure that the infection is fully treated and thus prevent it coming back.

If the infection doesn't seem to be getting better or gets worse you should consult your doctor.

Important information about Daktarin cream

This cream is for external use only. It should not be taken by mouth or used inside the mouth or nose.

Take care to avoid getting the cream in the eyes.

If you get a severe skin reaction to the cream you should stop using it and consult your doctor.

Daktarin cream should not be used in

Allergy to any ingredient.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the developing baby. Miconazole is unlikely to be absorbed through the skin in sufficient amounts to affect the baby. However, as with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Miconazole is unlikely to be absorbed through the skin in significant amounts, however, it is not known if the medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the baby. As with all medicines, you should seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding. If you do use the cream while breastfeeding, you should not apply it to the skin of the breasts shortly before giving a feed, to avoid it being ingested by the nursing infant.

Possible side effects of Daktarin cream

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Allergic reactions at the application site, for example hives or allergic rash (contact dermatitis). If affected stop using this medicine and consult your doctor.

Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, tongue and throat or anaphylaxis.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you think you have experienced a side effect from a medicine or vaccine you should check the patient information leaflet. This lists the known side effects and what to do if you get them. You can also get advice from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. If they think it's necessary they'll report it for you.

Can I use Daktarin cream with other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already using, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicines while using this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.

Miconazole is unlikely to be absorbed through the skin in sufficient amounts to significantly affect other medicines that you are taking by mouth.

However, if you are taking warfarin to prevent blood clots, there is a very small chance that miconazole absorbed from this cream may enhance the effect of the warfarin. If you are taking warfarin your doctor may therefore want to monitor your blood-clotting time (INR) during and after a course of this medicine.

If you are using other topical medicines or moisturisers on the same area of skin it is recommended that you leave about 30 minutes between applying each product. This is to allow each product time to be absorbed and avoid them mixing or diluting on the skin.